Willits mat girls medal at Jensen Invitational

A small group of Willits High School wrestlers took part in the Dennis Jensen Invitational wrestling tournament in Middletown last weekend. Of the eight who competed, five medaled, including all three girls.

Girls' team captain Adri Borjon took first place in what Coach Brian Bowles described as "an incredible performance." She went undefeated on Saturday, winning by pin and major decision.

Karina Silverstein took second place on her birthday. Gabby Agenbroad also took second place.

"I continue to be impressed with their ability to improve every tournament," said Bowles.

For the boys, Joe Anaya took sixth place and Jacob Jepson took third in the 16-man bracket that consisted of 22 schools.

Hank Harris, who won two and lost two, came close to medaling, but was just one match shy. The other two Willits wrestlers who attended, but didn't place are Sebastian Rolfe and Sergio Jacinto.

In his first match of the tournament, Jacinto fractured his collar bone. It's an injury that will keep him out for four to six weeks.

"Those who went to the tournament are the ones who came to practice during the holiday break," said Bowles.

Their dedication is paying off tremendously, as Bowles see's a significant improvement in his wrestlers' skills.

"Jacob (106) and Joe (113) are really fun to watch improve as they practice with each other and compete side by side in weight classes," Bowles said. "It's like a one-two punch when you watch them in a tournament."

Last year Anaya won only two matches. This year, however, he is the only wrestler on the team who has placed in every tournament.

"The improvement for Joe is probably one of the most spectacular I've seen in the history of me coaching wrestling," said Bowles. "He's off the charts."

Jepson continues to amaze Bowles as well. "He has the best workout ethic of anyone else on the team," Bowles said. "He's got a real 'can-do' attitude."

For the first time Jepson is able to fill his weight class. Last year he weighed 92 lbs. but wrestled at 106. This year he weighs 106.